Paradise Lost (Adam’s Lament)
Is this then the end of this new glorious world,
And me from most blessed to most cursed on the earth?
I hide me from God, who all this unfurled,
Who once to behold was the height of all mirth.
Maker did I ask Thee from clay to man to shape me?
My judgment is just, but how can I bear it?
From sky down to dust all is cursed for my sake.
And what from this man can my children inherit
But undying death, never free from sin’s ache?
Maker did I ask Thee from clay to man to shape me? Maker, did I ask?
When this old dust returns to dust, raise a Hope, a Seed to trust, and then water Him with these my tears I shed for Paradise Lost. And to Your great mercy I appeal. I’m waiting for that Bruised Heel to crush the serpent’s head and reveal the new man, the one that I just couldn’t be.
A new enemy I’ve created in Death.
The knowledge of evil so bitter to taste.
But still greater mystery that You who give breath
Have far greater glory in saving this waste.
Maker did I ask Thee from clay to man to shape me? Maker, did I ask?
When this old dust returns to dust, raise a Hope, a Seed to trust, and then water Him with these my tears I shed for Paradise Lost. And to Your great mercy I appeal. I’m waiting for that Bruised Heel to crush the serpent’s head and reveal the new man, the one that I just couldn’t be.
I’m deserving to die, to stay in the grave,
And still you’d die for my family to save.
Let my eyes not see what I’ve caused,
And let my eyes not see anything
Save for the grace of Thee.
When this old dust returns to dust, raise a Hope, a Seed to trust, and then water Him with these my tears I shed for Paradise Lost. And to Your great mercy I appeal. I’m waiting for that Bruised Heel to crush the serpent’s head and reveal the new man, the one that I just couldn’t be.
Words and Music by Bill Stutzman
Copyright 2006 Bill Stutzman/Songsmith Stutzman Music